Phil Loadholt | Tackle | #71

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Vikings RT Phil Loadholt has decided to retire after seven seasons in the NFL.

Only 30, Loadholt is the next in an increasingly long line of players who have retired prematurely over the last two seasons. A second-round pick in 2009, Loadholt played his entire career with the Vikings. He missed all of last season with a torn Achilles' tendon, but he was expected to compete with Andre Smith for a starting spot at right tackle. Loadholt was forced to take a significant pay cut in March, so it is possible money plus injury concerns contributed to his decision. With Loadholt out the door, Smith is locked in at right tackle. Mon, Jul 25, 2016 08:38:00 AM

Coming off a lost season due to an Achilles' tear, Loadholt is competing with free-agent addition Andre Smith to start at right tackle. Even after agreeing to a pay cut in March, Loadholt could be sent packing if he does not win the job. Tue, Jun 21, 2016 10:15:00 AM

The Vikings will hold a competition between Phil Loadholt and Andre Smith at right tackle.

Considering Loadholt is coming off a torn Achilles' and was forced to take a pay cut to stay on the roster, the newly-signed Smith should enter camp as the clear favorite. USA Today's Tom Pelissero reports it is "not impossible" Smith ends up at right guard, but that spot will likely go to Brandon Fusco. After adding Smith and LG Alex Boone in free agency, the Vikings should field a much improved offensive line this season. Mon, Mar 21, 2016 10:10:00 AM

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Coming off a lost season due to an Achilles' tear, Loadholt is competing with free-agent addition Andre Smith to start at right tackle. Even after agreeing to a pay cut in March, Loadholt could be sent packing if he does not win the job.

The Vikings will hold a competition between Phil Loadholt and Andre Smith at right tackle.

Considering Loadholt is coming off a torn Achilles' and was forced to take a pay cut to stay on the roster, the newly-signed Smith should enter camp as the clear favorite. USA Today's Tom Pelissero reports it is "not impossible" Smith ends up at right guard, but that spot will likely go to Brandon Fusco. After adding Smith and LG Alex Boone in free agency, the Vikings should field a much improved offensive line this season.

Recovering from a torn Achilles', Loadholt had been scheduled to make $5.4 million. That's been slashed to $2 million, though another $1.5 million is available through incentives. Loadholt missed the entire 2015 season, and turned 30 in January. He was a league average tackle in 2014. Loadholt will have the inside track on right tackle duties after fill-in T.J. Clemmings struggled last season.

Loadholt tore his Achilles' in the preseason and missed all of 2015. He's missed the past season and a half with a torn Achilles' and torn pectoral. Loadholt said he began running last week. Entering the final year of his contract, the 30-year-old is a release candidate after the Vikings turned to rookie T.J. Clemmings at right tackle. Loadholt's cap number is $7.75 million.

By the time next season starts, Loadholt will have missed 21 consecutive games, as he sat out 2014's final five contests with a torn pec. Going on 30 and due $5.4 million in 2016, he'll be a candidate for release or restructure next offseason. Fourth-rounder T.J. Clemmings is the next man up on the right side. With LT Matt Kalil coming off an alarmingly-bad campaign, the Vikes can't be feeling good about their tackle situation.

It's terrible news for an offensive line that already had concerns. The Vikings run blocking takes a major hit without Loadholt. His loss adds more pressure on LT Matt Kalil for a bounce back year. Fourth-round pick T.J. Clemmings is the favorite to replace Loadholt at right tackle. 29-year-old Loadholt is signed through 2016 at $5.4 million.

Loadholt tore his pectoral in Week 12 and was replaced by Mike Harris. He's resumed lifting weights and is hoping to get a little bit of work in during OTA season. Loadholt was PFF's No. 34 tackle among 84 qualifiers last year.

Loadholt, 29 in January, had missed just two starts since being the 54th pick in the 2009 draft. A mauling run blocker at 6-foot-8 and 343 pounds, Loadholt wasn't having his best season. Mike Harris will take over on Teddy Bridgewater's right side. J'Marcus Webb was signed to be the swing tackle. Loadholt has two years left on a four-year, $25 million deal. He should be back in 2015.

Vikings RT Phil Loadholt has been diagnosed with a torn pectoral, and is done for the season.

Loadholt had missed only one snap before Week 12. Two months shy of his 29th birthday, Loadholt has been a replacement-level player this season. It's not a crippling blow for the 4-7 Vikings, but obviously thins their depth. Mike Harris is the next man up on the depth chart. 2015 is the final year of Loadholt's contract. Due $5.9 million between salary and bonuses, he could be asked to take a pay-cut.

Reserve QB Josh Freeman is active. The Vikings are missing starters all over, particularly along the offensive line and in the secondary. Former Bear J'Marcus Webb is starting in Loadholt's place, while Joe Berger is filling in for Johnson. John Carlson will serve as the Vikings' starting tight end during Rudolph's absence.

Vikings RT Phil Loadholt (concussion) has been ruled out for Thursday night's Week 10 game against the Redskins.

Loadholt was concussed last Sunday against the Cowboys. J'Marcus Webb will get the start in his place and see a lot of Ryan Kerrigan. Webb played 34 snaps last week and surrendered a strip-sack touchdown on his first play.

Depth Charts

This could explain why McKinnon got only one touch in the second half in Sunday's loss. McKinnon's status should be monitored, but he's on track to play through his shoulder issue in Week 15 against the Bengals.

It's a new injury for Thielen, but the limited practice suggests it's not a Week 15 concern. Thielen has at least 50 yards or a touchdown in five straight weeks. He's a WR1 for Sunday's matchup with the Bengals.

Rudolph injured his ankle late in Sunday's loss to Carolina and was spotted in a walking boot on Wednesday. David Morgan and Blake Bell are candidates to fill in at tight end if Rudolph isn't cleared for Sunday's game against Cincinnati. Neither are fantasy options.

Coach Mike Zimmer said the Vikings got better news than expected on Reiff's injury, but wouldn't commit to Reiff suiting up for Sunday's tilt with Cincinnati. Although Reiff has been far from impenetrable on Case Keenum's blind side, he has allowed just two sacks on the year as part of the Vikings' O-Line turnaround.